Composition for enhancing athletic performance

ABSTRACT

A composition including a plurality of active ingredients. A first active ingredient of the active ingredients is pyruvate. For each other active ingredient, an amount of that active ingredient is proportionally less than an amount of the first active ingredient. The composition can affect ATP and Krebs efficiency when ingested by an animal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/896,162, filed Oct. 1, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,344,032,issued Jan. 1, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/318,081, filed Mar. 26, 2010, and also U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/357,045, filed Jun. 21, 2010,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a composition for enhancingathletic performance. More particularly, this disclosure relates to acomposition formulated to increase ATP and Krebs efficiency wheningested by an animal (e.g., human).

BACKGROUND

There are a number of liquid compositions or diluted mixtures sold incommerce having names such as “activity drinks,” “sports drinks,”“energy drinks,” “nutrient drinks,” and the like. These beverages areadvertised to ameliorate physiologic symptoms resulting from the loss ofcarbohydrates, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and otherimportant nutrients, during heavy exercise. As those skilled in the artwill appreciate, athletic performance, i.e. physical exercise, comprisesmany different categories of activities, including activities requiringstrength, speed, and/or endurance. As those skilled in the art willfurther appreciate, environmental factors, including temperature, airpurity, elevation, humidity, and the like, can markedly affect aperson's physical work capacity.

It is thought that muscle activity is primarily based on a veryfundamental biochemical mechanism, the breakdown of energy-richphosphate bonds. Adenosine triphosphate (“ATP”) is one source of suchphosphate bonds at the cellular level. ATP is the direct source ofenergy for muscle work and, some believe, comprises the only form ofchemical energy which can be converted by muscle tissue into mechanicalwork.

During high physical activity of the body, the ATP level in the musclesdiminishes rapidly. Several substrates are available as sources forreplenishing the ATP. When there is low physical activity, metabolism offats is primarily responsible for ATP production. At higher activityrates, glycogen in the muscle is the major energy supply. The energyfrom glycogen is released in exercising muscles up to three times asfast as the energy from fat. It is known in the art that exercise of amoderate intensity cannot be maintained without sufficient carbohydratestores within the body. Carbohydrates are the fuel from which body cellsobtain energy for cellular activities and the major portion ofcarbohydrates utilized by the body are used for ATP production. Theenergy required for developing athletic activity, and indeed for allmuscular work, comes primarily from the oxidation of glycogen stored inthe muscles.

Glycogen can be used either relatively slowly via the completeglycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to form carbon dioxide, waterand 38 moles of ATP per mole of glucose. The basic biochemical pathwaybeing: C₆H₁₂O₆+6O₂→6CO₂+6H₂O+energy (heat, ATP). This happens not all atonce but in many small steps, to control the release of energy. Eachstep uses one or more enzymes; some use ATP for activation energy. Thefirst process is sometimes called Glycolysis, where, using enzymes,glucose is cleaved into two pieces, and some ATP and NADH are formed.Subsequently, the Krebs cycle transfers electrons, H⁺ and energy fromC—H bonds to NAD⁺, making NADH. In addition, some ATP is formed. TheKrebs cycle occurs in the center of the mitochondrion (inside innermembrane).

Thereafter, an electron transport chain transfers the energy from NADHto produce more than 30 moles of ATP. This happens on the inner membraneof the mitochondrion. Energy is used in small steps to push H⁺ ionsacross the membrane. They pile up, then flow through an opening in ATPsynthase (an enzyme), where the energy of the flow is used to make ATP.

When exercise is very intensive, i.e. so intensive that the respiratoryand cardiovascular systems of the body do not have sufficient time todeliver oxygen to the muscles, the energy for this activity will bedelivered almost exclusively from anaerobic metabolism, and much lessATP per molecule of glucose is produced.

Fatigue during high intensity exercise may be viewed as the result of asimple mismatching between the rate at which ATP is utilized and therate at which ATP is produced in working muscles. The attention, givenover the last two decades to the study of the limitations of ATPproduction, leads to the conclusion that the cause of fatigue may be theinability of the metabolic machinery to provide ATP fast enough for theenergy needs of the working muscles to sustain force production.

Furthermore, during relatively extended periods of heavy muscle work,the work capacity of an individual is limited by several factors, suchas low blood sugar concentration and loss of liquid by transpiration. Inthe last decade the use of liquid drinks containing carbohydrates duringexercise has become more and more accepted as a stimulus duringendurance performance. As a result, the prior art focuses exclusively oningesting substantial amounts of carbohydrate in a liquid form duringendurance competition events. The prior art further teaches thatsupplementation with carbohydrate containing fluids is useful to prolongexercise and improve the performance of high intensity enduranceexercise. Benefits to be obtained include maintenance of fluid balanceand an increase in the availability of carbohydrate—the primarysubstrate for the muscular ATP production.

The present inventor has found, however, that it is not alwayslogistically possible to consume large amounts ofcarbohydrate-containing beverages over extended periods of time. Forexample, heavy exercise in remote areas wherein any such beverages mustfirst be carried for long distances prior to consumption renders such aprior art approach non-feasible. Moreover, although considerable amountsof carbohydrates can be ingested, not all of the exogenous carbohydratesemptied from the stomach are oxidized during exercise.

In addition, gastric emptying rate decreases with increasingcarbohydrate concentration and osmolality. Consequently highlyconcentrated carbohydrate solutions have been observed to increase thefrequency of gastrointestinal distress in endurance athletes. Certaintiming issues can further complicate the consumption of large amounts ofcarbohydrates. The efficiency of ingested glucose in enhancing physicalperformance is dependent on the time at which the beverage is ingestedbefore exercise. It is known in the art that glucose containingbeverages produce an increase in plasma glucose peaking approximately 45minutes after ingestion. Such an increase in plasma glucose, however,results in an increase in plasma insulin and a subsequent drop in plasmaglucose during the initial period of the activity, resulting in quickexhaustion. Thus, ingestion of large amounts of carbohydrates prior toembarking on a lengthy period of vigorous physical activity in theafore-mentioned remote area scenario can be deleterious rather thanadvantageous.

Creatine is sometimes used during exercise as a likely substance for thegeneration (in theory) of ATP through a reaction of phoshocreatine, dueto the action of the enzyme creatine kinase (CK). However,administration of creatine can increase the propagation of methanal(formaldehyde). Clinical evaluation of urinalysis indicates insufficientexcretion of methanal, leading to the indication of increasedformaldehyde cell/tissue saturation as well as nephrotoxicity. Methanalis rarely encountered in living organisms, and when so, converts toformic acid. Formic acid, however, altogether prevents or significantlyminimizes the generation of ATP because it induces a diminishingactivity of the enzyme complexes within the Krebs cycle. It has beenfound by the inventor that creatine is disfavorable for the propagationof ATP from ADP and negates pyruvate dehydrogenase's activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

ATP is used in many key metabolic reactions and physiological functions.As exemplarily described herein, embodiments of the invention provide acomposition having an active component which, when ingested by an animal(e.g., a human), can increase or maximize the biosynthesis potential ofATP within the animal and also increase the oxidation of severalmetabolic fuels such as carbohydrates and lipids within the animal. Theactive component of the composition is formulated to maintain a supplyof ATP within the animal so that living cells within the animal canrespond to circumstances such as stresses from exercise, starvation andpace the health of the cell; i.e., so that living cells can reproduceand grow. According to some embodiments, the active component of thecomposition includes ingredients such as niacin (or nicotinamide, ornictotinic acid), riboflavin, thiamine, pyruvate, ubiquinone, and lipoicacid (or thioctic acid). In one embodiment, the active component of thecomposition consists essentially of niacin (or nicotinamide, ornictotinic acid), riboflavin, thiamine, pyruvate, ubiquinone, and lipoicacid (or thioctic acid). In an embodiment, the active component of thecomposition does not contain any (or contains trace or insignificantamount of) ingredients such as creatine which inhibit or otherwisediminish the ability of the aforementioned active component of thecomposition to generate ATP within an animal (e.g., a human). In anotherembodiment, the active component of the composition consists only ofniacin (or nicotinamide, or nictotinic acid), riboflavin, thiamine,pyruvate, ubiquinone, and lipoic acid (or thioctic acid). In anotherembodiment, an amount of creatine can be less than an amount ofthiamine. A single dose of any composition described herein can beadministered as often as every 20 minutes.

Although creatine has been given as an example of an ingredient that candiminish the generation of ATP, any ingredient that can diminish thegeneration of ATP can be either excluded, included in only traceamounts, or included in an amount less than one to all of other activeingredients of the composition.

Furthermore, although ingredients that can diminish the generation ofATP can be excluded from a composition, such ingredients can be presentwithin an animal, included within a composition to an extent that doesnot exceed the animals need, ability to process, or the like. Forexample, creatine can be synthesized in an animal. The process can becontrolled by a rate step limiting process. An amount of creatine can beincluded in a composition that does not override the limiting processand/or overwhelm the animal's ability to process resulting metabolites,such as formaldehyde and/or formic acid. If such conditions occur, thegeneration of ATP can be reduced.

Exemplary ranges for ingredients within the active component of thecomposition described herein are provided below in Table I. The amountsof each ingredient are given in milligrams (mg) per one dose of thecomposition.

TABLE I Ingredient Amount per dose (mg) Niacin (or nicotinamide or 0.1(or about 0.1) or greater nictotinic acid) Riboflavin 0.1 (or about 0.1)or greater Thiamine 0.1 (or about 0.1) or greater Pyruvate 0.1 (or about0.1) or greater Ubiquinone 0.1 (or about 0.1) or greater Lipoic acid (orthioctic acid) 0.1 (or about 0.1) or greater Glycine (amidated and/or0.001 (or about 0.001) or greater modified) Arginine (amidated and/or0.001 (or about 0.001) or greater modified) L-methionine (amidatedand/or 0.001 (or about 0.001) or greater modified)

In one embodiment, there is no upper limit to the amounts listed for anyof the ingredients identified above in Table I. Furthermore, in anembodiment, no all of the ingredients of Table I need be used. Forexample, in an embodiment, the active ingredients can include niacin,riboflavin, pyruvate, and ubiquinone. That is, one or both of thiamineand lipoic acid need not be included.

According to another embodiment, exemplary ranges for ingredients withinthe active component of the composition described herein are providedbelow in Table II. The amounts of each ingredient are given inmilligrams (mg) per one dose of the composition.

TABLE II Ingredient Amount per dose (mg) Niacin (or 1.2 (or about 1.2)to 2000 (or about 2000) nicotinamide or nictotinic acid) Riboflavin 1.2(or about 1.2) to 6000 (or about 6000) Thiamine 1.2 (or about 1.2) to6000 (or about 6000) Pyruvate 1.2 (or about 1.2) to 6000 (or about 6000)Ubiquinone 1.2 (or about 1.2) to 2000 (or about 2000) Lipoic acid 1.2(or about 1.2) to 1000 (or about 1000) (or thioctic acid) Glycine(amidated 0.001 (or about 0.001) to 1000 (or about 1000) and/ormodified) Arginine (amidated 0.001 (or about 0.001) to 1000 (or about1000) and/or modified) L-methionine (amidated 0.001 (or about 0.001) to1000 (or about 1000) and/or modified)

In one embodiment, pyruvate is the most abundant ingredient within theactive component of the composition. That is, of the ingredients listedin Tables I and II, pyruvate is present in the highest weight percentage(wt. %) within the active component of the composition. Niacin (ornicotinamide or nictotinic acid) and riboflavin are present in the same(or about the same) wt. % within the active component of thecomposition, and the wt. % of each of these ingredients is less than thewt. % of pyruvate. The wt. % of ubiquinone present within the activecomponent of the composition is less than the wt. % of niacin (ornicotinamide or nictotinic acid) or riboflavin. The wt. % of lipoic acidpresent within the active component of the composition is less than thewt. % of ubiquinone. The wt. % of thiamine present within the activecomponent of the composition is less than the wt. % of lipoic acid.Exemplary amounts of ingredients within the active component of thecomposition, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the activecomponent of the composition (e.g., as described with respect to any ofTables I or II), are provided below in Table III.

TABLE III Ingredient Amount per dose Niacin (or nicotinamide ornictotinic acid) 15.4% (or about 15.4%) Riboflavin 15.4% (or about15.4%) Thiamine  7.9% (or about 7.9%) Pyruvate 37.3% (or about 37.3%)Ubiquinone 13.2% (or about 13.2%) Lipoic acid (or thioctic acid) 11.0%(or about 11.0%)

The values given in Table III represent weight percentages of theingredients where each of the ingredients may achieve optimal results.Deviation of the weight percentage of any of the ingredients by morethan 60% may prevent the beneficial effects of the composition frombeing realized. For example, the values given in Table IV representweight percentages of the ingredients where each of the ingredients mayachieve acceptable results. However, the limits of the ranges of theexamples of Table IV are not hard limits. That is, niacin, for example,could range from about 9.2% to about 25.7%.

TABLE IV Ingredient Range per dose Niacin (or nicotinamide or nictotinicacid) 9.2%-25.7% Riboflavin 9.2%-25.7% Thiamine 4.7%-13.2% Pyruvate22.4%-62.2%  Ubiquinone 7.9%-22.0% Lipoic acid (or thioctic acid)6.6%-18.3%

In addition to the aforementioned active component, the composition mayoptionally include an excipient component. In one embodiment, theexcipient component may include one or more of sodium (Na⁺), calcium(Ca⁺), potassium (K⁺), magnesium (Mg⁺), valine and aspartic acid. Thesodium may be present in, for example, the form of sodium bicarbonate,or the like. The potassium may be present in, for example, the form ofpotassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, or the like, or a combinationthereof. The magnesium may be present in, for example, the form ofmagnesium citrate, or the like. The sodium may be present in, forexample, the form of sodium bicarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment,one or more of these optional ingredients may be present, in one dose ofthe composition, in an amount of at least 0.1 (or about 0.1) mg. Inanother embodiment, one or more of these optional ingredients may bepresent, in one dose of the composition, in a range of amounts providedbelow in Table V.

TABLE V Ingredient Amount per dose (mg) Na⁺ (optional) 1.2 (or about1.2) to 1000 (or about 1000) Ca⁺(optional) 1.2 (or about 1.2) to 2000(or about 2000) K⁺ (optional) 1.2 (or about 1.2) to 2000 (or about 2000)Mg⁺ (optional) 1.2 (or about 1.2) to 2000 (or about 2000) Valine(optional) 1.0 (or about 1.0) to 1000 (or about 1000) Aspartic acid(optional) 1.0 (or about 1.0) to 1000 (or about 1000)

Further, the excipient component may optionally include one or more ofany of the twelve recognized cell salts. The twelve recognized cellsalts include the calcium minerals (i.e., calcium fluoride, calciumphosphate and calcium sulphate), the potassium minerals (i.e., potassiumchloride, potassium phosphate and potassium sulphate), the sodiumminerals (i.e., sodium phosphate, sodium sulphate and sodium chloride)as well as ferrum phosphate (iron), magnesia phosphate (magnesium) andsilicea (silica). The excipient component may also optionally includeingredients such as citric acid, sea salt, or the like or a combinationthereof.

Having identified the ingredients of the active and the optionalexcipient components of the composition above, and exemplary amounts ofeach ingredient in the active component and the optional excipientcomponent, and the weight percentage of each ingredient present in theactive component, an explanation of the effect of the compositionaccording to various embodiments of the present invention is set forthbelow.

When the composition is consumed by an animal (e.g., a human), theriboflavin delivers the fundamental hydrogen carrier flavin adeninedinucleotide (FAD), which is covalently bound to its dehydrogenaseenzyme, and therefore may be defined as a prosthetic group. Thebiochemical reaction with FAD to the succinate dehydrogenase (SD)reaction reduces the FAD to FADH₂. SD is an integral component of therespiratory chain. When FADH₂ is oxidized by this process, a result of1.5 ATP (adenosine triphosphate) moles is generated.

When the composition is consumed by an animal (e.g., a human), theniacin (or nicotinamide or nictotinic acid) generates nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) which is a hydrogen carrier and is thecoenzyme involved in several oxidation/reduction reactions. Thiscoenzyme is recognized for its involvement with variousoxidative/reduction reactions catalyzed by dehydrogenases. In the Krebscycle event, malate dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of malate tooxaloacetate. It is during this reaction that the NAD⁺ is reduced toNADH (reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide). NADH is then oxidized by therespiratory chain, forming 2.5 moles of ATP.

NAD⁺ is also recognized in its participation of metabolic reactionswhich transfer the potential free energy stored in lipids, carbohydratesand proteins to NADH, which is used to form ATP.

The electron transport involves the removal of electrons from NADHand/or FADH₂ transporting the electrons through the oxidative/reductionreactions involving cytochromes which then donate to oxygen. This thenreduces to H₂O.

One of the most important mechanisms for synthesizing ATP relies onoxidative phosphorylation. This process is coupled with the oxidation ofthe reduced forms of riboflavin and niacin, FADH₂ and NADH, via therespiratory chain.

The mitochondrial respiratory chain encompasses a series ofoxidative/reduction reactions within the recognized complexes 1, 2, 3and 4. Ubiquinone and cytochrome link these reactions.

Ubiquinone, which encompasses Co enzyme Q10 and its family ofubiquinones, is involved in the electron transport and energy production(ATP) in the mitochondria. Thus, when the composition is consumed by ananimal (e.g., a human), the ubiquinone accepts electrons from complex 1and 2 which are activities vital for the generation of ATP molecules.Ubiquinone is reduced to ubiquinol which then shuttles from complex 1 to3.

The synthesis of ATP via this respiratory chain is the result of the twocoupled processes; oxidative phoshorylation and electron transport.

The electron transport “drives” proton pumps in the 1, 2, 3 and 4complexes. As the charge separation occurs in this process the potentialcharge differential provides energy for ATP synthesis via the protonsreturn to the matrix through the F0 proton channel which “drives” the F1ATP synthetase.

Pyruvate is a key intermediate in both glycolytic and pyruvatedehydrogenase pathways. In the end product of glycolysis two moleculesof pyruvate are fed into the Krebs cycle where they are oxidized to formCO₂. In this process, NAD and FAD become reduced to NADH and FADH₂, thuscarrying hydrogen into the respiratory chain. In this event, energy isconserved in ATP and the hydrogen is used to reduce oxygen into water.The pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction requires the cofactors derived fromthe niacin, thiamine, riboflavin and lipoic acid within the composition.An inadequate supply of these cofactors, either through inborn errors orinsufficient utilization can cause a malfunctioning of the metabolicpathway at any number of the particular enzymatic reaction sites wherethe cofactor is involved. Pyruvate is often thought of as “the governorof glucose conservation”. Pyruvate dehydrogenase determines if pyruvateis to enter the Krebs cycle for oxidation. When the composition isconsumed by an animal (e.g., a human), pyruvate serves as a biologicalfuel by its conversion to acetyl coenzyme A which then enters thetricarboxylic acid (Krebs) and metabolized to generate ATP molesaerobically. In anaerobic events, energy can also be obtained frompyruvate via its conversion to lactate.

The coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is derived from the thiaminein composition and participates in a number of group transfer reactions,the primary being pyruvate dehydrogenase and the oxidativedecarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.

In the pyruvate oxidation phase, the proceeding acceptor of the aldehydegenerated form TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate) is lipoic acid (thiocticacid). This transfer of the active aldahyde moiety from TPP involvesoxidation of the aldahyde. This consequently generates an acyl groupwhich in pyruvate dehydrogenase is transferred to coenzyme A.

The alkali metals potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium (particularlythe former potassium, magnesium and sodium) within the composition canbe used in the composition as an adjunct to support the bicarbonatepool. Even though these elements are recognized for a wide variety ofbiological functions, their participatory role in regulating the pH canbe beneficial in the composition, particularly during anaerobic phasesof exercise. The “type” of ion or salt that these metals are attached tois for their stability. These are consequently known as alkaline salts.

Aspartic acid (e.g., L-aspartic acid) within the composition helps toremove ammonia from the liver via its cations interactions with ammoniahas been recognized and is usually formed from one of intermediates ofthe Krebs cycle. This does not occur in adequate amounts when the Krebscycle is compromised. Aspartic acid also promotes energy production viaits metabolism in the Krebs cycle.

Citric acid is one of a series of compounds that acts as an intermediatein the Krebs cycle.

Homeopathic cell salts are prepared by serial dilutions. These inorganicconstituents are the material basis of the organs and tissues in thebody and help to maintain functional activity within the cells. Intheory, any disturbance in the molecular supply (deficiency) of thesesalts can initiate a physiological imbalance. Administering these saltsas part of the composition in small quantities can help bring aboutequilibrium within the system.

It will be apparent that the composition need not include theaforementioned coenzymes and cofactors such as NAD, NADH, FAD, and FADH₂as these compounds are synthesized within the body when the compositionis consumed by the animal. Likewise, the composition need not includecompounds such as ATP, as this compound is synthesized within the bodywhen the composition is consumed by the animal.

An exemplary composition formulated according to the embodimentsdescribed above is described below with respect to Table VI. Although aparticular mass has been given, the actual mass can vary. For example,the mass of niacin can be about 35 mg.

TABLE VI Ingredient Amount per dose (mg) Niacin 35 Thiamine 18Riboflavin 35 Lipoic acid 25 Pyruvate 85 CoQ10 30 Aspartic acid 25Sodium bicarbonate 465 Calcium carbonate 160 Magnesium bicarbonate 105Potassium bicarbonate 66 Cell salts (6x homeopathic) 2.5 Citric acid 13Sea salt 7 Potassium citrate 3

According to some embodiments, any of the above-described compositionscan be provided in the form of a tablet, a capsule, a powder, or thelike or a combination thereof, in any suitable manner as is known in theart for oral administration. The powder may, for example, be mixed in asolvent such as liquid water.

Upon being consumed by an animal such as a human, a composition providedaccording to the embodiments exemplarily described above beneficiallylowers triglycerides, increases potential of cellular energy (ATP),stabilizes pH, and increases efficiency of GTF (glucose tolerancefactor). The composition can also increase the potential of ATP beyondthe animal's natural ability to produce ATP because the presence andamounts of the ingredients within the composition synergisticallyincrease the efficiency of the series of reactions within the Krebscycle, thereby increasing the biosynthesis of ATP. The presence andamounts of the ingredients within the composition described herein alsosynergistically meet the optimal demands (maximum velocity) of the 7primary enzymes found within mitochondria.

The inventor has discovered that, upon being consumed by an animal suchas a human, the composition can also beneficially aid in weight lossbecause energy involved in oxidizing fat via hormone sensitive lipase isconserved as ATP.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition can contribute to cholesterol reductionlipoproteins (carriers of cholesterol) are reduced via the influence(activity) on HMG-CoA reductase. The antihyperlipidemic action ofnicotinic acid is synergized by the interactions of the otheringredients in the composition.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition can temporarily improve vision becausethe visual sensory areas require adequate ATP production for optimalfunctioning.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition can reduce pain via loweringprostaglandin 2 (PG2).

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition can alleviate respiratory distress. Forexample, respiratory distress can be alleviated due to the increase inATP moles as well as diminishing the leukotrine responses. Leukotrinesare fatty molecules which can be utilized as fuel moles for thepropagation of ATP. Reduced leukotrines due to the increased generationof ATP can result in reduced bronchoconstriction, reduced inflammation,or the like alleviating respiratory distress.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition can increase cognizant acuity. Forexample, improved circulatory conditions as described herein, and/or theneuro-response from the increased generation of ATP can increasecognizant acuity.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition can reduce hypertension by increasingvascular efficiency.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition can address certain problems associatedwith erectile disfunction (e.g., influenced by neurogenic or arterialdisorders) because the composition can heighten nerve response andincrease vascular efficiency.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, the composition increases the metabolism of glucosemoles to yield maximum ATP moles in an anaerobic environment, therebyincreasing the efficiency with which lactic acid is used by the body toproduce energy.

The inventor has also discovered that, upon being consumed by an animalsuch as a human, lipoic acid in the composition is synergisticallysupported by the other ingredients to increase the potential forstimulating glucose uptake by muscle cells, in a manner similar toinsulin, thereby positively influencing glucose control. Accordingly,hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can be mitigated. Thus, this process isbeneficial for addressing problems associated with diabetes.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theembodiments described herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition suitable to be consumed by ananimal, the composition comprising: a plurality of active ingredientscomprising pyruvate as a first active ingredient, niacin as a secondactive ingredient, riboflavin as a third active ingredient, ubiquinoneas a fourth active ingredient, lipoic acid as a fifth active ingredient,thiamine as a sixth active ingredient, amidated arginine as a seventhactive ingredient and amidated L-methionine as an eighth activeingredient; wherein the concentration by weight of the first activeingredient (pyruvate) in the composition is greater than theconcentration by weight of each one of the other active ingredientsindividually; wherein the concentration by weight of amidated argininein the composition is less than the concentration by weight of each ofpyruvate, niacin, riboflavin, ubiquinone, and lipoic acid individually;and wherein the concentration by weight of amidated L-methionine in thecomposition is less than the concentration by weight of each ofpyruvate, niacin, riboflavin, ubiquinone, and lipoic acid individually.2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises nocreatine.
 3. The composition of claim 1, further comprising creatine. 4.The composition of claim 3, wherein the concentration by weight ofcreatine in the composition is less than the concentration by weight ofthiamine.
 5. The composition of claim 1, further comprising amidatedglycine.